Boss Dean Smith reveals united drive behind Loughgall’s brilliant start

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Andrew Hoey celebrates finding the net during Loughgall's victory over Ballymena United

Nathaniel Ferris celebrates his equalising goal for Loughgall against Ballymena United

Loughgall forward Nathaniel Ferris scores his second goal against Ballymena United

Caolan Loughran celebrates Loughgall's comeback victory away to Ballymena United

Loughgall forward Andrew Hoey celebrates scoring against Ballymena United

Unity brings four or five wins a season, says Loughgall manager Dean Smith as he reflected on his team’s excellent start to life in the Sports Direct Premiership.

Ballymena United were the latest victims of the Villagers, losing 3-1 at The Showgrounds on Saturday despite taking a first-half lead through skipper Colin Coates.

Nathaniel Ferris came to life after the break to score twice in an impressive performance, with Andrew Hoey getting the third goal.

Nathaniel Ferris celebrates his equalising goal for Loughgall against Ballymena United

The defeat leaves the Sky Blues anchored to the foot of the table with merely one win from eight games, while Loughgall sit fifth in the table by comparison, above Coleraine (on goal difference) and Cliftonville.

Eleven points from a possible 21 is a good return for last season’s Championship winners, who have taken their good form into the top flight.

There is still a long way to go, but Smith believes unity and continuity can earn valuable points for his team.

“Probably the biggest thing for us is togetherness”, said Smith.

Caolan Loughran celebrates Loughgall's comeback victory away to Ballymena United

“Most of the players have been together for three, four or five years, and in some cases six or seven years, they’ve been here from the start. I